Courtesy Photo | Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and civilians joined together at Bagram Air Field,...... read more read more
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By Lt. Col. Donald A Korpi
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – U.S. service members gathered from across Bagram Air Field on Nov. 11 to remember and honor the efforts and selfless service from veterans of all American Armed Forces throughout the country’s history.
Originally established as a remembrance for all those American Service Members who died in the Great War, Armistice Day was established as a national celebration of the armistice agreement signed in France on Nov. 11, 1918. The way America understands and commemorates this holiday, Veterans Day has evolved with the generations of young men and women who have fought our nation’s wars during the past 100 years.
The ceremony began with a spirit filled invocation by United States Forces Afghanistan (USFOR-A) Chaplain, Major Geoff Bailey. His prayer reminded us all of the legacy of esteemed service that surrounds our nation’s history.
“Today, we take a moment to pay tribute to our veterans, to reflect on their sacrifices, and the impacts they have had on the history of United States and other countries around the globe,” said Bailey. “They continue to set the example worldwide for selfless service, professionalism and duty.”
Immediately following the invocation Psalm 144 was read out loud to the over 200 Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airman present. The quietness of the moment and the context of the words seemed, if only for a moment, to relieve the stress, anxiety, and fear of the unknown service members face.
Staff Sgt. Brittney Sickmann continued the recognition and celebration by reading the poem “Veteran” highlighting the special relationship between the American veteran and their country.
As the narrator began to read the Congressional proclamations authorizing the establishment of each independent branch of service, members of the military community watched as Maj. Gen. Jeffery Bannister, the Deputy Commander of USFOR-A (Support), and Command Sgt. Maj. Lewis presented a wreath to honor the citizen Soldiers who’ve responded to their nation’s call to service. Senior members continued to place wreaths for each of the services present to equally honor the Sailor, Maine, Soldier and Airman for this service and sacrifice.
The guest speaker, Retired Lt. Col. Chris North; a veteran of Vietnam and a 28-year Special Operations officer. He has served in numerous staff and command positions throughout the conventional and non-conventional Army. After retiring from active duty he chose to continue his service to our nation by serving in security, instructor, and senior adviser positions around the world. “His experience, long years of service and humble character reminded us of the price that his generation and those before us paid to allow us as a nation to overcome our challenges and adversities,” said Lewis.
The 10th Mountain Division band played a closing song, a medley combining the music of all branches. ”That was a special moment when inter-service rivalry, and differences were put aside and everyone in the crowd to include our Coalition partners- felt the heavy weight, pride and honor that comes from the term privilege and honor of being an American veteran,” said USFOR-A CoS Col. Mark O’Donnell.
| Date Taken: | 11.11.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 11.11.2015 11:01 |
| Story ID: | 181678 |
| Location: | AF |
| Web Views: | 299 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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